2013-2015 CX-5 – RATTLE / POP NOISE FROM INSTRUMENT PANEL AND/OR CREAK NOISE FROM A-PILLAR OVER ROUGH / BUMPY ROADS
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2013-2015 CX-5 vehicles with VINs of JM3KE******514170 or lower (produced before July 31, 2014)
While driving over rough or bumpy roads, some vehicles may exhibit a rattle / pop noise from the instrument panel and/or a creak noise from the A-pillar.
Rattle / Pop Noise From Instrument Panel:
The rattle / pop noise may be caused by low cowl panel (A) mounting bolt (B) torque.
Creak Noise From A-Pillar:
This noise may be caused by two joined panels (A) scraping together at the A-pillar. The panel weld areas have been improved during the mass-production of vehicles with VINs JM3KE******128359 (produced June 1, 2012) or higher.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
While verifying the customer concern, it may be difficult to distinguish the rattle / pop noise from the creak noise. Use the table below to determine the appropriate repair.
| Subject Vehicle | Required Repair(s) |
| For vehicles produced on or before June 1, 2012 with VINs of JM3KE******128359 or lower. | Perform โRattle/Pop Noise From Instrument Panelโ
AND โCreak Noise From A-Pillarโ repairs. |
| For vehicles produced between June 2, 2012 and July 31, 2014 with VINs of JM3KE******128360 to JM3KE******514170. | Perform โRattle/Pop Noise From Instrument Panelโ
repair only. |
Rattle / Pop Noise From Instrument Panel:
- Remove the cowl grille according to the online MS3 instructions or the Workshop Manual (section 09-16).
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the windshield, be sure to apply adequate protection along the bottom edge of the glass (i.e. tape or a sliced rubber hose) before retightening the cowl panel bolts.
- Retighten all ten (10) cowl panel bolts (A) to:
Tightening Torque: 17-22 ft. lbs {22-30 Nm, 2.3-3.0 kgf-m)
- Reinstall the cowl grille according to the online MS3 instructions or the Workshop Manual (section 09-16).
Creak Noise From A-Pillar:
Enlarge the clearance between two (2) panels (A) using an appropriate tool (i.e. flat-blade screwdriver).
NOTE: In the illustration (below, right), the front fender is removed for viewing purpose only. It is not necessary to remove the front fender for this repair.
- Identify which side the noise is coming from (repair only the problem side).
- Remove the mud guard according to the MS3 online instructions or the Workshop Manual (section 09-16).
- Remove the cowl side seal plate (A) and fender seal plate (B).
- Open the front door and place a flat-blade screwdriver with protection tape on the tip (B) between the two panels at joint (A).
- Bend the cowl side reinforcement panel (A) to create a clearance of more than 1 mm between the panels.
NOTE:
- To avoid damaging the paint, wrap protection tape around the tip of the screwdriver.
- If there are scratches on the panels, apply appropriate corrosion protection primer.
- Reinstall the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE: Passenger Side Only: When reinstalling the cowl side seal plate, make sure to install the rear window washer hose (B) in the opening (A) to avoid hose damage.
- If necessary, repeat Steps 1 – 6 on other side.
- Road test vehicle and verify noise has been eliminated.
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